
#UFFSciComm
An Upcycled Food Global Scientific Research Community
#UFFSciComm is the world’s first global upcycled food science community that collaborates and shares research across academic, government and industry institutions to accelerate progress in science and innovation.
Upcycled Food Foundation:
Global Scientific Symposium
Register for Upcycled Food Foundation’s Global Scientific Symposium June 10-11, 2025.
Mark your calendars for the Upcycled Food Foundation’s inaugural Global Scientific Symposium, a virtual gathering on June 10–11 spanning time zones and every scientific discipline touching the upcycled food revolution. We’re spotlighting bold, breakthrough research—especially from students and early‑career scientists—while welcoming seasoned experts who want to share fresh insights on turning would‑be waste into nutritious, market‑ready ingredients.
True to our mission, the symposium is designed for maximum access and minimum footprint: registration fees scale to the size of your company or institution, and the fully online format eliminates travel emissions without sacrificing real‑time interaction. Join us to exchange data, ignite collaborations, and help establish this annual symposium as an essential fixture on the global food‑and‑sustainability calendar.
Registration gives access to both days of the symposium! Agenda to be announced.
Ticket costs:
Student $25 USD
Nonprofit/Startup (annual revenue under $1M USD) $50 USD
Academia/Government $75 USD
Industry $100 USD
Questions? Email info@upcycledfood.org
Submit your scientific proposal for review here - you will be notified by May 26 if your presentation has been accepted. Keynote, lightening talks and panel presentations all available:
UFF SciComm Co-Chairs
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Dr. Lara Ramdin - Chief Scientist/Ambassador, FoodxClimate
Dr. Lara Ramdin is the Chief Scientist/Ambassador at FoodxClimate. Often hailed as the “Upcycling Queen,” she transforms undervalued by-products into high-quality, nutrient-rich ingredients, thereby addressing food waste while simultaneously enhancing food security. Her innovative approach not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also propels the food-as-medicine movement forward by producing foods that support holistic health outcomes and are accessible to a wide population. Dr. Ramdin's work is at the intersection of science, sustainability, and social impact, making her a key figure in the future of food and an Emeritus Board member of Upcycled Food Association. Her vision and dedication to upcycling and nutrition have established her as a thought leader in creating food solutions that nourish both people and the planet.
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Dr. Jonathan Deutsch - Professor, Dept of Food and Hospitality Management, Drexel University and Director, Drexel Food Labs
Jonathan Deutsch, Ph.D., CHE, CRC is Professor and Vice Chair of Health Sciences, which encompasses Culinary, Food, Nutrition, Exercise and Health Sciences at Drexel University. He is the Founding Program Director of Drexel’s Food Innovation and Entrepreneurship Programs. He is past President of the Upcycled Food Foundation and previously was the inaugural James Beard Foundation Impact Fellow, leading a national curriculum effort on food waste reduction for chefs and culinary educators. He was named a Food Waste Warrior by Foodtank. Before moving to Drexel, Deutsch built the culinary arts program at Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York (CUNY) and the Ph.D. concentration in food studies at the CUNY Graduate Center and School of Public Health. At Drexel, he directs the Drexel Food Lab, a culinary innovation and food product research and development lab focused on solving real world food system problems in the areas of sustainability, health promotion, and inclusive dining. He is the co-author or -editor of eight books including Barbecue: A Global History (with Megan Elias), Culinary Improvisation, and The Anti-Inflammatory Family Cookbook, and numerous articles in journals of food studies, public health and hospitality education. He earned his Ph.D. in Food Studies and Food Management from New York University (2004), his culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America (AOS, Culinary Arts, 1997), and is an alumnus of Drexel University (BS, Hospitality Management, 1999). A classically trained chef, Deutsch worked in a variety of settings including product development, small luxury inns and restaurants. When not in the kitchen, he can be found behind his tuba.
